Speaking of Equality: Making Literacy Programs Accessible to People with an Intellectual Disability. A Guide for Program Managers and Coordinators.

Roeher Inst., North York (Ontario).

This guide for literacy program managers and coordinators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability and offers practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to encourage re-examination of programs. The first four short chapters are on: making the links among literacy, disability, and human rights; the meaning of "people with an intellectual disability; defining "literacy"; and what is known about the literacy levels of people with an intellectual disability. The subsequent four chapters focus on: (1) the effects of exclusion from the mainstream, in six personal stories of the lives of people with disabilities; (2) barriers to full participation for these people; (3) components of successful programs; and (4) an outline for using this guide for training, which identifies important themes, relevant readings, discussion guidelines, and print and organizational resources. A list of Canadian provincial and territorial literacy contacts and coalitions is provided. An appendix presents a guide to choosing an inclusive literacy program for people with intellectual disabilities, their families, friends, and support workers. (DB)